Published online Nov 21, 2020. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i43.6710
Peer-review started: April 16, 2020
First decision: May 1, 2020
Revised: July 15, 2020
Accepted: October 12, 2020
Article in press: October 12, 2020
Published online: November 21, 2020
Processing time: 217 Days and 14 Hours
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the main entities of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic remittent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The incidence and prevalence are on the rise worldwide, and the heterogeneity between patients and within individuals over time is striking. The progressive advance in our understanding of the etiopathogenesis coupled with an unprecedented increase in therapeutic options have changed the management towards evidence-based interventions by clinicians with patients. This guideline was stimulated and supported by the Emirates Gastroenterology and Hepatology Society following a systematic review and a Delphi consensus process that provided evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding diagnosis, evaluation of disease severity, appropriate and timely use of different investigations, choice of appropriate therapy for induction and remission phase according to disease severity, and management of main complications.
Core Tip: The prevalence of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease is on the rise. The advance in our understanding of the etiopathogenesis with an unprecedented increase in therapeutic options have changed the management towards tailoring evidence-based interventions. In this consensus, the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases are based on the clinical evaluation and a combination of endoscopic, histological, radiological, and/or biochemical findings. The therapeutic options have been revised in view of the treatment goals, which now aim to treat beyond “symptoms” to achieve mucosal healing when possible and to minimize intestinal injury and bowel damage with resultant disability.